Web development encompasses a variety of disciplines and skills in the creation and maintenance of websites. The different fields of web development include web graphic design; web user interface design; website authoring, which includes proprietary and standardized codes; and online search engine optimization. Web designer and developer also create content, such as text, images, video, and audio.

There are many universities and colleges that offer web development and design degrees, as well as diploma programs. Students can choose to focus on one or more fields, or all the fields together, to gain a well-rounded degree. Web development students can expect to take classes such as interface design, web content management systems, website marketing, creative product development, web design fundamentals, and more. Web developers can expect to complete a Master’s Degree in just two years, or take a year and a half to complete an Associate’s Degree.

Web developers can move into other career areas once they have graduated if they wish. Many develop software for business, developing software that is used by other companies or sold to customers. Web developers can find work in state-funded information technology offices, private industries, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and even the United States military. Web developers can work for a number of different clients, although most companies prefer to hire web designers from within the company.

Web developers may need some computer science and information technology background, as well as technical skills in writing HTML, PHP, and JavaScript code. These skills can be obtained through online courses or on-the-job apprenticeships. Web developers who have completed formal education and are familiar with all aspects of web development can easily find jobs working as freelance programmers, consultants, technical writers, website designers, or web developers. Web developers who are interested in programming can also pursue higher-level positions at smaller companies or within larger businesses. Web development is one of the few career fields that does not require major degrees, although most Web developers will need at least a Bachelor’s degree.

Web developers can expect to begin working as soon as they finish their formal education. Web sites are often created in a number of different languages, including HTML, PHP, JavaScript, ASP, and CSS. Web developers must learn the language used to create web pages through courses or formal education. Web site developers often use specialized software to create web pages. Web designers often use graphic programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Corel draw. Web developers often use professional web designing software such as Dreamweaver and Microsoft FrontPage to create web pages.

Web developers, including web designers, must have excellent communication skills, and they often must work closely with business owners to develop new ideas. Web development companies usually provide an on-site job search and interview process. Most companies require potential employees to have a degree in one of their programming languages. Some web development companies offer jobs based upon specific industry verticals, such as fashion, travel, and home furnishing. Web developers are usually involved in a wide variety of tasks, such as writing code to create new website features, adding multimedia content, and editing images. Web developers are often involved in the creation of advertising campaigns as well.